Elgin travel guide

Elgin Tourism | Elgin Guide

You're Going to Love Elgin

With a population of 108,188, Elgin is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Elgin has to offer.

Where to Eat in Elgin

If you’re looking for affordable options, Moretti's - Elgin (2300 Bushwood Dr) and Jimmy's Charhouse - Elgin (2290 Point Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Elgin

Elgin in February
Estimated hotel price
$84
1 night at 3-star hotel
Elgin in February
Estimated hotel price
$84
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Elgin in July, when the average temperature is 73.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 84.2 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 12.2 °F, with an average temperature of 21.2 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in June, when precipitation is around 4.2″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Elgin, with an average rainfall of 1.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Elgin

Plane

Although Elgin doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 35 miles from Elgin. The shortest domestic flight to Elgin departs from Charlotte and takes around 2h.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Elgin. The train journey from Elgin to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $26 for a 2h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Elgin is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 35 miles from Elgin. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Elgin, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Elgin takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 80 miles.

Plane

Although Elgin doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 35 miles from Elgin. The shortest domestic flight to Elgin departs from Charlotte and takes around 2h.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Elgin. The train journey from Elgin to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $26 for a 2h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Elgin is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 35 miles from Elgin. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Elgin, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Elgin takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 80 miles.

Airports near Elgin

Airlines serving Elgin

Lufthansa
Good (4,693 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,572 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,607 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,602 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,114 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,953 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,441 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,925 reviews)
Finnair
Good (864 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,718 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,595 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,544 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,355 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (766 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (771 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (487 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,323 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Elgin

Most booked hotels in Elgin

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Northwest - Elgin
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 310 reviews)
$109+
Comfort Suites Elgin
2 stars
Good (7.6, 172 reviews)
$101+
Quality Inn Elgin I-90
2 stars
Good (7.2, 321 reviews)
$80+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Elgin, IL
2 stars
Good (7, 442 reviews)
$88+
The Mansion Bed and Breakfast
2 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$157+
Crest Motel
2 stars
Okay (4.1, 20 reviews)
$74+

Renting a car in Elgin

Renting a car in Elgin costs $58 per day, on average, or $232 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 13% cheaper than airport locations in Elgin.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Elgin (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. Mini (Fiat 500 or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Elgin, while also 70% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Elgin costs $58 per day, on average, or $232 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 13% cheaper than airport locations in Elgin.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Elgin (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. Mini (Fiat 500 or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Elgin, while also 70% cheaper than other types, on average.